không bột ngọt
[xəwŋ͡m˧˧ ʔɓot̚˧˨ʔ ŋɔt̚˧˨ʔ]word by word
The phrase no msg is translated into Vietnamese as không bột ngọt.
This phrase is used when ordering food at restaurants or street stalls to request that the cook does not add MSG to the dish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of không (no/not) and bột ngọt (monosodium glutamate/MSG).
Which one should you use?
You can also use the more complete phrase không cho bột ngọt, which literally means do not add MSG.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Vietnam, people often use the term mì chính instead of bột ngọt to refer to MSG, so you may hear or use không mì chính.
Did you know?
- The word ngọt in the phrase bột ngọt means 'sweet'. In Vietnamese, MSG is literally described as 'sweet powder' because of the umami sensation it provides.
- The transition of không into a negative particle began in the 17th century as Western businessmen arrived and frequently used the number 'zero'.
Examples in context
- Tôi mong bạn không thêm bất kỳ loại hương vị tổng hợp nào vào món ănI hope you won't add any artificial flavorings to the dish
- không có MSGNo MSG
- thành phầnIngredients
- hương vịFlavor
- xin chàoHello
- cảm ơnThank you
- Làm cho tôi món này không bột ngọt.Make this dish for me without MSG.
- Tôi muốn ăn cơm không bột ngọt.I want to eat rice without MSG.
- Ở đây có món nào không bột ngọt không?Are there any dishes here without MSG?
Example conversation
Nam and Huong are ordering food at a small restaurant.
- NamCho tôi một bát phở không bột ngọt.Give me a bowl of pho without MSG.
- HươngVâng, anh muốn ăn không bột ngọt đúng không?Yes, you want it without MSG, right?
- NamĐúng vậy, làm ơn.That's right, please.
- HươngDạ, tôi sẽ báo với đầu bếp.Yes, I will tell the chef.
